Kevin Winter/Getty
Cher (left) and songwriter Diane Warren in 2010.
Cher, the legendary singer and actress, has never been one to hold back her thoughts, especially when it comes to her longtime friend and collaborator, Diane warren. The two icons have shared a bond that spans decades, and Cher’s candid remarks about Warren are as colorful as their shared history.
In a recent interview for the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless, which premiered in theaters on January 10 and will be available for streaming on MasterClass starting January 16, Cher didn’t mince words. “How about that Diane is nuts, can we start off with that? I don’t think she would argue with me for a second,” Cher quipped. “Nuts,cheap,unrelenting,optimistic,sweet. She’s just crazy — oh my God. But she writes great songs.”
Courtesy of MasterClass
‘Diane Warren: Relentless’
Warren,though,had a different take on Cher’s playful jabs. Speaking about the documentary, she addressed Cher’s description of her as “cheap.” “I don’t know why she calls me [cheap],” Warren said. “It’s not really cheap — I was never cheap. I paid for ‘If I Could Turn Back Time.’”
The song, one of Cher’s most iconic hits, wasn’t an easy sell. Warren recalled the challenges of getting the track off the ground, but its eventual success cemented their partnership and left an indelible mark on music history.
Their friendship, built on mutual respect and a shared passion for music, shines through in the documentary. warren’s relentless drive and Cher’s unwavering support highlight a bond that transcends the typical artist-songwriter relationship. As the film prepares to stream on MasterClass, fans will get an intimate look at the woman behind some of the most memorable songs of the past few decades.
How Cher and Diane Warren Turned a Reluctant Hit into a Timeless Classic
Table of Contents
- 1. How Cher and Diane Warren Turned a Reluctant Hit into a Timeless Classic
- 2. Diane Warren: A Legacy of Music and the Pursuit of an Oscar
- 3. How did Diane Warren’s persistence and Cher’s willingness to trust her musical instincts contribute to the success of “If I Coudl Turn Back Time”?
- 4. A Reluctant Start
- 5. A Quick Turnaround
- 6. A timeless Hit
- 7. A Friendship Built on Respect
- 8. A Legacy of Collaboration
Behind every iconic song lies a story of passion, persistence, and sometimes, a little persuasion. For Cher and Diane Warren, the journey to creating the 1989 hit “If I Could Turn Back Time” was no exception. What began as a battle of wills between the legendary singer and the prolific songwriter ultimately resulted in one of Cher’s most beloved tracks.
Warren, known for her tenacity, recalls the uphill battle to convince cher to record the song. “I grabbed her legs. I held her feet to the ground literally, and I go, ‘Until you say you’re going to at least try it….’” Cher, though, was initially resistant. “I kept saying, ‘No, I do not want to record this song. I don’t want to do it. I hate it,’” she admitted.
It wasn’t until Warren offered to cover the recording costs and promised to let go of Cher’s legs that the singer finally agreed to give it a shot. Cher laughs as she remembers, “I thought she’s the cheapest chick I know.But from the moment I started to sing it, it was perfect. I did it in like 15 minutes.”
Warren vividly recalls the moment cher began recording.“I remember looking in the glass booth, I see her singing, and she looked at me like, ‘You f—ing b—-, you were right.’” the song,which Cher initially despised,quickly became one of her all-time favorites and a chart-topping success.
Reflecting on the experience, Cher acknowledges Warren’s relentless determination. “I mean, Diane is unrelenting. She’s unrelenting, but thank God, as it’s one of my favorite songs, and it’s one of my biggest hits.” The collaboration not only solidified their professional relationship but also deepened their personal bond.
As the release of “If I Could Turn Back Time,” Cher and Warren have remained close friends. Their partnership has endured for decades, with Cher even presenting warren with her honorary Oscar in 2022.The song, which initially sparked resistance, has become a testament to their shared creativity and mutual respect.
Today, “If I Could turn Back Time” stands as a timeless anthem, a reminder of how persistence and trust can transform a reluctant idea into a masterpiece. For cher and Warren, it’s a story of friendship, artistry, and the magic that happens when two creative forces unite.
Diane Warren: A Legacy of Music and the Pursuit of an Oscar
Diane Warren, a name synonymous with timeless music, made history in 2022 by becoming the first songwriter to receive an honorary Oscar.Despite this monumental achievement, Warren humorously notes, “I haven’t gotten the competitive one yet,” referring to her 15 previous nominations. Her wit and humility shine through as she continues to chase the elusive golden statuette.
This year, Warren might be in the running for her 16th nomination, thanks to her heartfelt song “The Journey,” featured in the film The Six Triple Eight. Reflecting on the possibility, she quips, “It would be cool to win. I never did have a sweet sixteen.” Her lighthearted approach underscores her passion for her craft, which remains her greatest reward.
For Warren, the joy of songwriting transcends awards. “There’s so many wins with it, really,” she says. Her catalog of hits includes Celine Dion’s “because You Loved Me” and Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” songs that have touched millions.“You get to write something that makes somebody feel good or makes them feel less alone or something, or it just moves them. But the main thing is I get to write songs that I love.”
Warren’s journey is now immortalized in the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless, currently in theaters and set to stream on MasterClass starting January 16. The film offers an intimate look at her relentless drive and the stories behind her iconic music.
As fans and critics alike celebrate her contributions to the world of music, Warren remains focused on what truly matters: creating songs that resonate deeply with listeners. Her legacy is not just in the awards she’s won or the records she’s broken, but in the emotions she’s stirred and the connections she’s forged through her art.
How did Diane Warren’s persistence and Cher’s willingness to trust her musical instincts contribute to the success of “If I Coudl Turn Back Time”?
The story of Cher and Diane Warren’s collaboration on the hit song “if I Could Turn Back Time” is a testament to the power of persistence, mutual respect, and creative chemistry. Their journey, filled with playful banter, challenges, and eventual triumph, highlights the unique bond between the legendary singer and the prolific songwriter.
A Reluctant Start
Cher initially resisted recording the song, famously telling Warren, “I do not want to record this song. I don’t want to do it.I hate it.” Warren, known for her relentless determination, went to great lengths to convince Cher, even humorously holding onto her legs and refusing to let go until Cher agreed to give the song a try.warren’s persistence paid off when she offered to cover the recording costs,a gesture that cher jokingly referenced by calling Warren “the cheapest chick I know.”
A Quick Turnaround
Once Cher finaly agreed to record the song, the process was surprisingly swift. Cher recalls finishing the recording in just 15 minutes, and from the moment she started singing, she knew the song was perfect. Warren vividly remembers the moment Cher looked at her through the recording booth glass, seemingly acknowledging that Warren had been right all along.
A timeless Hit
Despite Cher’s initial reluctance, “If I Could Turn Back Time” became one of her most iconic and beloved songs, cementing her status as a music legend and solidifying her partnership with Warren. The song’s success is a testament to Warren’s songwriting prowess and Cher’s ability to bring a song to life in a way that resonates with audiences for decades.
A Friendship Built on Respect
Their playful dynamic and mutual respect shine through in the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless, which offers an intimate look at their collaboration and friendship. Warren’s relentless drive and Cher’s unwavering support highlight a bond that goes beyond the typical artist-songwriter relationship. As the documentary prepares to stream on MasterClass, fans will get a deeper understanding of the woman behind some of the most memorable songs of the past few decades.
A Legacy of Collaboration
Cher and Warren’s story is a reminder that some of the greatest creative achievements come from overcoming initial resistance and embracing the unexpected. Their collaboration on “If I Could Turn Back time” not only produced a timeless classic but also showcased the power of perseverance and the magic that happens when two creative forces come together.
